In 2001: A Space Odyssey, Dr. David Bowman had his problems with HAL, a computer with almost super-human powers of deduction and observation.

Dr. Greg Chamitoff may also have a problem with HAL – in this case, Match Director Hal Bogner. During Thursday’s live exchange between Chamitoff aboard the International Space Station, and the talented members of the Stevenson Elementary School Chess Club, at the Bellevue Community College, Hal noticed that 4.e3 had been played on Greg’s chess board in space.

Now, Hal, in an effort to speed up the voting process, may have mentioned this to the coaches, but more than likely the National K-3 Champions noticed the position during the 20 minute broadcast. Either way, when the move 4.e2-e3 was confirmed by NASA, the kids were ready with their responses.

That’s a good thing. Now their fellow earthlings (YOU!) will have a few extra hours to consider their responses and VOTE! The choices are 4...Nc6, 4...Bf5, 4...Qb6, and 4...e6. Give it some thought, and let us know what YOU would play, by voting.